Artist Statement

Finding Balance describes the mentality I had creating this body of work. Rather than beginning with a specific plan or intention I often begin painting, collaging, and layering — following the flow of the brush and seeing what comes out. I’m drawn to bright colors and contrast which is a strong driver in the creation of this series. Working with clients to create custom artwork or murals is exciting, I love being challenged and making things to enhance a space or exude a specific vibe. Creating art is a pleasure and finding balance helps close each piece to move on to the next.

Studio in SOMA

Finding Balance is:Layering and LayeringCollaging, Rearranging, Starting overPainting OverFinding WeightFinding Thickness Of LineWhen a brushy stroke that scratches across the canvas shouldn’t be painted a second timeWhen colors drip and spill in just the right wayWhen stacked items create interesting negative spaceFinding Completion

New Asterisk Magazine interview

BIO

I was born, raised, and went to college on the east coast in Pennsylvania and Connecticut. Since I was very young I was always making things. I was drawing constantly. It became my elective focus through high school. Although I graduated with a business degree, I began with the School of Fine Arts at University of Connecticut and was able to continue taking classes through my time there as I worked on my business degree.

I began painting in college and never really stopped. I packed my car and moved to San Francisco in 2010. I bought huge panels of wood and lots of paint and just started painting in my room, and on my rooftop. I first started showing work publicly in local cafe’s around the Mission. After a few cafe shows I was invited to participate in my first group show in a gallery. Since then I’ve participated in multiple group shows, a few solo shows, and been featured in New Asterisk Magazine. I’ve been working on a lot of murals and large commissioned works recently. I tend to go into works with a go-with-the-flow type attitude and see where my brush strokes take me. When I don’t like what I’ve made, I just paint over it and start again.

Contact

Fill out the form below or email me at elliottcnathan@gmail.com. I'm available for commissioned artwork, murals, graphic design, set design, and event production.